04-14-1999 at 9:21pm EST
WOHLEVER TAKES FIRST WIN AT MONZA
Tonight Eagle driver James Wohlever made history.
After struggling for a week with his new steering gear, a Thrustmaster
Formula T2, James decided he wanted to go back to his old reliable TM
Topgun stick. He knew it, he had the feel for it, and he knew he could
win with it. Amist ghastly cries from his pit crew trying to explain
why a wheel is so much better, James just chucked the steering column
out of the***pit and slapped his TM stick in place.
Once joining VROC, James decided to Host a 11-lap race at Monza.
At this time Mr. Wohlever's record time was 1.36:44 in an Eagle.
Tonight, he shattered that record with an outstanding 1.33.78 in
practice. Fans were amazed at the grace and speed that he took the
Eagle to. Placing 4th among 12 other top VROC drivers he was amazed..
When asked how he felt before the green flag drops, James responded
"Even if I loose, I have done two things tonight, I have beat my old
fast lap record, and I have placed 4th in qualifying. The best I had
done before tonight was 9th. I'm confident I can bring home a good
race"
The beginning of the race was not without events as the starting grid
roared off James had a slight mechanical problem with his clutch and
had to pull to the side of the road to adjust the clutch. "At the
beginning everyone and there brother is trying to scream.. being in
front of a ripping Lotus is no place to be when you can't switch
gears" he said. He later found out the problem was related to
changing his steering mechanism and did not have the proper clutch
assignment.
Things looked bleak for James.. Starting in 4th, he was now in 9th.
Coming through the Curve Grande he flew by two races who had over done
it.. James slowly inched his way through the pack.. graciously
slipping through cars, and sliding through turns like never before.
With 3 laps to go James was in 2nd place and 32 seconds behind the 1st
place driver. "I was giddy with e***ment.. 2nd place was a wonderful
feeling" He explained.
Just as James came through the last turn with 2 laps remaining he saw
the Ferrari hit the side rail.
"I was coming through the curve trying to keep the wheels drifting
just right when this tire comes right at me.. I didn't see the car at
first.. just that big fat tire headed for my face. I forgot all about
the turn and punched the gas. The tire whizzed right over my helmet
and I saw the car doing spins in my mirror"
As James crossed the start/finish line he saw the pit board showing
him as the leader.
"I got to keep focused, that guy could catch me quickly" He thought.
But Lady Luck was smiling on him today. The 2nd place car was done for
the day and 3rd was far behind. James raised his arm and waved to the
fans as he flew through finish line smashing his old race record with
a 1.33.98 lap.
When asked what he was going to do now that he had won his first GPL
race, James responded
"I'm going to Disney Land"
--
-Gunslinger-